Accomplishments

Since opening in October 2000, OASIS Fine Art & Craft has worked hard to support the arts and serve the community. Thanks to great customers, dedicated volunteers and wonderful community support, the gallery has done a lot!

Been a leader in the arts for the city and county

Founded Harrisonburg’s First Fridays Downtown (now administered by Arts Council of the Valley), initiated The Big Draw, and facilitated the kick-off presentation for the our area’s involvement in the Artisan Trail state-wide project

Helped many high school and college students increase arts knowledge and skills via internships, classes, and programs like Nights of Poetry and Song. Welcomed many students and classes for study-related visits.

Actively innovated and improved programming and service quality, funded in part by the Arts Council of the Valley, Virginia Commission for the Arts, the city of Harrisonburg, plus individual and business sponsors and donors

Improved customer experiences and business effectiveness via consulting and training with Harrisonburg Downtown Renaissance, the Fairfield Center, Small Business Development Center, and ActionCOACH, and via addition of wifi, internet phone and charge access, and a point-of-sale system

Brought artists and community together by being open seven days a week, holding 6-12 opening receptions a year, and staying in touch via publications, enewsletter, website, and social media

Established a record of community involvement in both visual and performing arts by collaborating on events with groups such as Harrisonburg Downtown Renaissance, Arts Council of the Valley, Spottswood Garden Club, Rockingham Ballet Theater, Shenandoah Valley Choral Society, and Harrisonburg City Schools

Contributed to the local economy and to growing tourism with a welcoming venue, an enticing diverse selection of quality art and craft, and a rack for community brochures and posters

Contributed to visitation of historic downtown Harrisonburg via commitment to a highly visible central location, and via group advertising to promote downtown’s exciting collection of attractions and the rich opportunities in the Arts & Cultural District

Contributed to Shenandoah Valley and state tourism by participating in websites, meetings and print guides to attractions with Virginia Tourism, Virginians for the Arts and the Shenandoah Valley Travel Association

Provided growth and promotion for member artists though a supportive artist community; solo and group exhibit opportunities; web, newsletter and social media promotion; access to booth sales at the Harrisonburg Farmers Market, skill development in customer service and entrepreneurship; literature on arts opportunities and a lending library; in-gallery artist bios; and web listings offering online sales

Monitored the quality and variety of artwork via a two-step process: a) jury committee quality assessment and b) board assessment of business issues like media balance and available space

Designed programs to support the performing and literary arts, including (1) special membership for Virginia musicians that provides CD sales, web promotion, and performance opportunities in the “[email protected]” series, (2) poetry readings for high school, college, and adult poets and (3) a ballet show of artisan fashions

Created a tradition of charity involvement with support of the WVPT art auction and benefit sales such as Pleasant View Home, American Cancer Society / Relay for Life, Russian orphans, and Wounded Warriors Foundation

Established a regular presence at Harrisonburg Farmers Market that strengthens the “buy local” movement, and raises awareness of the arts

Completed an energy audit and implemented energy savings in heating, cooling, and lighting